In addition to the very busy Tim Horton’s and Burger King at Grand Island
Boulevard and Staley Road, motorists trying to get to and from the I-190 cause
tie-ups daily and accidents too often.

So Grand Island is getting a $2.6 million traffic island to help direct it more
safely and continuously for motorists.

The project will likely break ground in 2010, according to Tom Romano of the
state Department of Transportation. It should take one year to complete and will
not coincide with other upcoming bridge projects, said Town Supervisor Peter
McMahon.

A good portion of the meeting, attended by more than 50 residents and town
officials, explained how a “modern roundabout” would be implemented.

Romano said there are already 50 in use across New York state. He said a good
example is located at Rainbow Boulevard in Niagara Falls.

“The roundabout is considered one of the safest kind of intersection because
vehicles are forced to slow down,” Romano said.

Some residents wondered if the state’s primary objective — safety — would
compromise the intersection’s efficiency.

During the meeting, Romano ran a computer simulation of traffic flow at the
roundabout, demonstrating a virtual view of how cars, trucks and busses would
use the single-lane “circle” instead of a traffic light with a four-way
stop.

Lulls in exiting thruway traffic would allow Staley and Boulevard motorists
chances to get into the circle, which will not feature stop sighs.

Among other findings by the state about the GI Boulevard/Staley Road
intersection:

• Accidents were 52 percent higher than the statewide average; there were 15
accidents during a three-year period between 2001 and 2003.

• Rear-end accidents accounted for almost half of the total, and almost all
were on Grand Island Boulevard.

• The GI Boulevard and Staley Road intersection is listed as a “Safety
Deficient Location.”

• Rear-end accidents appear to be caused by a combination of inappropriate
high speeds of through vehicles entering or exiting the I-190 and queuing
traffic that is not seen by inattentive motorists.

The DOT is still working on concepts, listening to proposals and will be
conducting further on-site study of the intersection. Designs will be started
this spring or early summer.